Ford Taurus vs Pontiac Grand AM
The Pontiac Grand AM is more fuel-efficient at 24 MPG combined, against 21 MPG for the Ford Taurus. At EPA assumptions that is about $400 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Ford Taurus | Pontiac Grand AM | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 1,284 | 515 |
| Most reported problem | Engine | Electrical system |
| Crashes and fires | 69 and 25 | 71 and 30 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 94,000 miles | 123,000 miles |
| Recalls | 4 | 2 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 21 MPG | 24 MPG |
| City and highway | 18 and 27 | 21 and 32 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $3,200 | $2,800 |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 1,284 complaints for the Ford Taurus and 515 for the Pontiac Grand AM. Complaint counts depend heavily on how many of each vehicle were sold, so a higher count does not by itself mean a less reliable car.
Safety recalls on file: 4 for the Ford Taurus, 2 for the Pontiac Grand AM.